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NSW Boxing Day trade to continue

The NSW government says it will legislate to allow Boxing Day trading to continue across the state, following a successful two-year trial.

The state government announced yesterday it would legislate to allow Boxing Day trading to continue in all parts of NSW, on the recommendation of an independent review with feedback from business owners, employees and shoppers.

Russell Zimmerman, ARA executive director, said the announcement is great news for NSW retailers as Boxing Day is one of the busiest trading days of the year.

“Consumers want to shop on Boxing Day, and retailers want to trade, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“Giving NSW retailers an opportunity to trade on this public holiday not only gives retailers a chance to increase their sales it allows physical stores to compete with online and interstate retailers.

“Allowing Boxing Day trade in all areas of NSW gives retailers the opportunity to roster volunteer staff on one of the biggest trading days of the year,” Zimmerman said.

“Public holiday rates are a great way for employees to earn money and increasing trading hours for NSW retailers significantly reduces underemployment.”

According to ARA, this legislation aligns with their submission to the NSW government, which supports deregulated trading hours on Boxing Day and will be introduced in the coming months.

In December last year, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association said one in four of 2015 workers it surveyed did not freely elect to work.

“The reality is that retail employees feel significant pressure to work Boxing Day from their managers, when saying ‘no’ runs the risk of having your hours cut,” SDA NSW secretary Bernie Smith said.

“Our shops are already open almost 360.5 days of the year and the sales will still be there on 27 December.”